How to Build Loft Bunk Bed

Whether you're a parent, college student or bachelor, loft bunk beds offer many advantages over conventional bed frames. A well-built loft bed can minimize clutter in the bedroom and optimize space for an additional work, play, storage, or seating area. Computer platforms and office desks typically fit well beneath a loft, which frees up floor space in cramped bedrooms. The versatility of this bed's design allows you to build a traditional loft bunk bed, a double bunk bed or a standard twin bed. It is an efficient, affordable solution for any do-it-yourself builder.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wood Planks
• Plywood
• Wood Screws
• Bracing Brackets
• Electric Sander w/ sanderpaper
• Electric Drill w/ Phillips head drill bit
• Safety goggles
• Measuring tape and pencil
• One twin mattress

1. Use your electric or manual sander to sand the edges of wood planks with the following measurements: 72x6x1, lengthwise and top end only; 76½ x6x¾, lengthwise only; 75x3x¾, lengthwise only; 42½x6x¾, lengthwise and ends. This softens sharp corners for you or your children's safety.

2. The four 72x6x1-inch planks are your posts. The 12 sanded 42½x6x¾-inch planks are your ladder steps. Arrange two posts, six 42½x6x¾-inch ladder steps and 24 1½-inch stainless steel wood screws.

3. Measure and mark each ladder step 6 inches apart from top to bottom on the outer end of your posts.

4. Secure (drill) the four corners of each ladder step to the posts with 1½-inch wood screws. The top step should be flush with the top (sanded) end of your posts. The bottom step should rest 6 inches above the floor. The finished piece serves as one bed end.

5. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 with the remaining two posts, six ladder steps and 24 1½-inch stainless steel wood screws. You should now have two identical bed ends.

6. The two 76½ x6x¾-inch planks are your sideboards. The six 39x6x¾-inch planks are your crossbeams. Arrange two sideboards, six crossbeams, 12 strong-tie bracing brackets, 24 ½-inch wood screws and 24 ¾-inch wood screws.

7. Measure and mark each crossbeam 6 inches apart from end to end. The crossbeams on either end should have an inset of 2 inches from the sideboards' end.

8. Center and secure (drill) six bracing brackets with two ¾-inch screws per bracket on either sideboard. Each bracket should rest 1 inch above the bottom of the sideboard.

9. Connect the two bracketed sideboards by drilling your six crossbeams to the brackets with ½-inch wood screws, four screws per beam. The finished piece serves as your bed frame.

10. Carry these three pieces, your two bed ends and one bed frame to the bedroom for final fabrication.

11. Stand each bed end upright. Slide the bed frame flush between the topmost ladder step and the second highest ladder step on either end. This will be a snug fit. Note: It is best to perform this step with two people.

12. Secure (drill) four points of either sideboard's ends to their respective posts with ¾-inch wood screws. Your loft bed should now be standing.

13. The two 75x3x¾-inch planks are your bed rails. Secure (drill) two points of either bed rails ends to their respective posts with 1½-inch wood screws. The rails should be flush with the top of the posts.

14. Place your 75x39-inch piece of pegboard or plywood over the crossbeams in your bed frame. Place your twin mattress in the bed frame.

15. To convert your loft bunk bed to a double bunk bed, follow Steps 6 through 9 and secure the new bed frame between the first and second (or second and third) ladder steps.

16. To convert your loft bunk bed to a single bed frame, use a circular saw to cut and lower your bed posts to a desired height. We recommend making the cut flush with the top of the fourth ladder step. This will give your mattress a height of 18 inches from the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Before drilling into your lumber, mark your measurements with a pencil to ensure accuracy.
• Always wear safety goggles when operating an electric sander, circular saw or related power tools.